Write Now Editing

Writing Tips … Sharon Norris Elliott

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Speaker, teacher, and author Sharon Norris Elliott has received some good and bad writing advice throughout her career. She’s sifted through them all to find the gems, and she’s sharing many of them with us today. If you need writing tips, encouragement, or inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s welcome Sharon!

What is your favorite writing book?
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech

Which do you think is the most underrated writing book? Why?
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. If an author doesn’t understand marketing, it doesn’t matter how great the book is because people will never find it in order to read it.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
No conference has taken the place of the granddaddy of them all, The Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference. I started attending as a hopeful author and ended up serving on the faculty for 20 years. The conference was a family reunion. You attended whether you had a proposal to pitch or not. Now, my favorite conferences are the West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference and the Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
Some webinars from time to time. I listen to workshops taught by other industry professionals that are presented at the online conferences at which I am also a faculty member.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
There were so many: Susan Titus Osborne, Gail Roper, Florence Littauer, Kathy Collard Miller,  Joyce Dinkins, Patricia Raybon, Marlene Bagnull, Linda Evans Shepherd, and others.

Some of these women ran conferences or organizations that I was able to work with, many times in leadership capacities. Others are editors and writers who shared their knowledge and expertise with me. All of them believed in and still believe in me, never letting me forget I had gifts and could use them to glorify God. They all treated me like I was really a part of this industry until I realized that truth about myself.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
Write for the African American community and concentrate on one specific genre. This was bad advice because it tried to put my writing in a small box.

I don’t write “Black” books; I write Christian books. And God has led me to write women’s nonfiction, Bible studies, devotionals, children’s books, parenting books, and teen/YA books. I would be “disobedient to the heavenly vision” if I stuck to just one genre.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Find my voice and communicate by using it.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
Be teachable and listen to professionals in the industry. Get to know someone in the industry who has your best interest at heart and stick with that person as your mentor.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Read back over everything. There will always be mistakes. Then have someone else—someone impartial and professional—edit your work and consider what that person says about changes that need to be made. Choose carefully the hills you will die on. Everything is not worth a live or die fight.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Keep at it. The best writers, authors of classics you’ve probably read, were rejected many times before they experienced publishing success. No one is perfect. You will never stop learning.

This is a distance race, not a sprint. Decide that you are in this for the long haul. And whatever you learn, be determined to teach that to someone else. You will never lose by giving back. You get better at what you are able to teach.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
My newest upcoming release is Didn’t See That Coming: When How They’re Living’s Not How You Raised Them. This is my third parenting book and launched from Elk Lake Publishing on January 3! Later this year, my 7-book children’s series will continue with the next two books: Special Church Snack (explaining communion) and Funny Math (explaining the Trinity).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The next semester of my AuthorizeMe Academy Masterclass Series begins March 4, 2023. If you’re interested in taking your book from idea to manuscript to masterpiece, and being taught personally by Dr. Sharon, register at www.AuthorizeMe.net.

From obscurity in Compton, CA to preaching from sacred pulpits, to commanding main stages teaching others how to write their books and understand the Bible, Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott encourages us to “Live significantly!” This inspiring message has driven Dr. Sharon to become an award-winning author, editor, agent, engaging speaker, and licensed minister. She is a graduate of Biola University and HSBN International School of Ministry in association with Gateway International Bible Institute, author of 13 books, and a member of several prestigious organizations. Dr. Sharon is also co-director of the WCCW conference and a Christian broadcaster with HSBN.tv. She is founder/CEO of the successful AuthorizeMe® Literary Firm (www.AuthorizeMe.net). Dr. Sharon and her husband James live in Southern California; attend Christ Second Baptist Church of Long Beach; and enjoy traveling to visit their children and grandchildren.

Website: www.LifeThatMatters.net
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SaneWriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorizeMeNow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sanewriter
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sanewriter
LinkedIn: Dr. Sharon Elliott
HSBN.tv: Search for Sharon Norris Elliott or Life That Matters (the shows)
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For past author interviews, click here!

How I Write: Heidi Glick

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We’re getting close to the end of the year, but we have time to squeeze in a few more interviews! This one’s for you plotters and suspense writers–Heidi Glick is both, and she’s here to give us a peek at her writing life. Welcome!

What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I write romantic suspense and suspense with romance elements. I chose my genre because I enjoy suspenseful movies and books. In addition, it’s easier to create tension because I can include suspense and romance. I write Christian fiction because I want to share my faith and encourage readers in their walk with God, but I want to do so in an entertaining way.

What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

For me, the hard parts of writing suspense include researching and drawing out suspense. I rush through things, so I have to leave a note in my manuscript to go back and draw out the suspense. With research, I have worked with Wesley Harris, who is a consultant with Write Crime Right. Also, I have sought research help from friends and family. Basically, if you have an area of expertise, watch out, because I might ask you some questions.

What’s your favorite book on writing? What do you like about it?

My favorite book on riting is Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody because it’s formulaic, and I’m mainly a plotter. The Emotion Thesaurus (by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi), which is a reference guide more than a book on writing, comes in as a close second. I use that book almost daily. I like it because sometimes it’s hard to describe emotion, and I like to vary my descriptions.

What’s your favorite writers conference? What do you like about it?

While not a traditional writing conference, my favorite is Writers’ Police Academy (WPA) because it’s like Disney for suspense writers. I had the privilege to attend WPA in Wisconsin for the first time in June 2022. The guest speaker was author Robert Dugoni. I liked WPA because it was fun and helpful in terms of law enforcement research.

What’s your writing day like?

Because I’m a stay-at-home mom, my day is never the same. Just this past week, my children had two two-hour fog delays, which meant I didn’t start off my day writing. Today, Lowe’s came to my house to take measurements for flooring, so again, I didn’t start my day off writing. I don’t have a regular schedule. I make a list of things to do and try to get done as much as possible. I focus more on long-term goals versus a rigid, daily schedule.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different? Describe your strategy.

I’m 98% plotter and 2% pantser. I outline and then write in layers, similar to a method advocated by author Hallie Bridgeman. I find I focus better on individual elements of writing better in separate passes of a document.

What advice do you have for new authors?

My advice for new authors today differs from the advice I gave years ago, though some of it remains the same. I still recommend joining a professional writing organization. After that, I would tell new authors to decide if they are a pantser or a plotter. If one is a plotter, I recommend reading Save the Cat Writes a Novel. Conversely, if one is a pantser, then I recommend reading Story Trumps Structure by Steven James. Finally, I would recommend signing up for at least one writers conference.

What does your revision process look like?

I self-edit my manuscript, then sub it to a critique group. Afterward, I submit to beta readers. Sometimes, in between, I submit portions to a subject matter expert or sensitivity reader. I review the manuscript again after I have made all changes from others and then submit the final product to my publisher.

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing Christian fiction. Additionally, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. Before becoming a suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high school students and edited science documents. Heidi resides in rural Northwest Ohio with her husband, two children, and six pets. Heidi’s first novel, Dog Tags, is available through Pelican Book Group, while her second novel, Hold for Release, is set for release from Pelican Book Group in 2023.

http://heidiglick.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick
https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1
https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glick.heidi/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035003.Heidi_Glick

How I Write: Kimberly Novak

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I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it a thousand more times–there’s right way to publish book. It all depends on your goals and motivation.

Children’s book author Kimberly Novak is a perfect example of that. By understanding her publishing goals, she found the right path for her book, and she shares her experiences with us today.

Welcome!

What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

Creating inspirational gems for God’s glory is my writing focus. My background in spiritual direction fuels my passion for writing in a way that enhances the reader’s relationship with the Lord. Much of my writing comes from life experiences or those God has inspired. Most recently, children’s Christian fiction has become dear to my heart as a creative way of sharing the power of prayer with the younger generation.

What’s your favorite book on writing? What do you like about it?

In my quest to produce authentic faith-based content, I look to the wisdom in The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinita Hampton Wright. I keep this manual prominent in my writing space and refer to it often. Within its pages, Vinita covers the craft of spiritual writing from its meaning through publishing. Among the detailed and simple-to-follow suggestions are relevant self-care notes for the writer.  Also noteworthy is my favorite chapter, “So, Where Is God in All This?” I recommend this book as a must-have tool for the Christian Writer.

What’s your writing day like?

I pray daily and allow God to guide my writing time. I seek my notebook for inspirational notes, words of wisdom, and topic outlines. Often, I will jot notes down by word or phrase, returning later to create something that makes sense. I allow my writing day, as in all days, to be led by God. If He wants words on paper, it will happen.

How do you combat writer’s block?

I am motivated and inspired when listening to Christian Music or soft instrumental music. The practice of having music on in the background stirs creativity while giving me energy as I go. Entering into prayer is also another big way I combat writer’s block. Asking God to guide my mind, allowing me to know the words and topics that benefit His glory.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different? Describe your strategy.

I am very visual and use this method to outline many projects. The best and most creative way I have done that is by using masking tape to mark off three columns on my office wall. The tape lines mark the beginning, middle, and end. My notes are usually written on post-its and in random order. When I am ready to get the outline going, I place the sticky notes in the column I feel they belong. When the notes are all placed, I arrange them in an order that makes sense.  This method is fun and an excellent tool for getting creativity flowing.

Are you self-published or traditionally published? Why did you decide to go that route?

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle is self-published. The decision was made when I met a Christian singer, one I consider a mentor. During that conversation, I asked her if she had any insight for an unknown author looking to share the message of God’s Love. Her response was, “If you have a message to share, get it out there.” Using that guide, I knew I wanted to publish the book without painstaking years of manuscript submissions. I sought out predominantly Christian and Catholic Publishing Houses. After much research, manuscript submissions, and a few rejections, I knew Trilogy Christian Publishing was a good fit for Bella and her miracle.

What advice do you have for new authors?

I offer the same advice I received. If God has placed a story on your heart and the ability to share it, go for it!  Don’t wait until the perfect time, publisher, or financial situation. Take everything you receive to God through prayer and allow His guidance. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t but ask God to decipher that for you. Have fun and enjoy producing wonderful works and projects enhancing the lives of others.

If you’ve ever worked with a freelance editor, how did you find that editor? How would you describe the experience?

I have worked with several freelance editors. One for Bella’s Beautiful Miracle and others associated with contributing author articles. It is essential that I work with an editor familiar with spirituality and God’s word. I have been lucky that the freelance editors I worked with were within groups I belong to or referred by my peers. I have also experienced incredible editors in the writing departments at local colleges who were very helpful and accommodating.

Kimberly Novak is a wife, mother, author, and spiritual director. Her passion for inspiring and motivating those on a spiritual journey has bloomed into various ministries. Kimberly’s mission is to enhance each journey by guiding others where the light of strength is…God’s love. Find her blog and A Little God Time at www.kimberlynovak.com. Her debut book, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar’s Journey, is available now.

Website: www.kimberlynovak.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlynovakauthor

Twitter: @knovakauthor

Instagram: knovakauthor

Book Purchase Link: Bella’s Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar’s Journey

How I Write: Angela Breidenbach

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No two paths to publication are the same, even for the same author! Angela Breidenbach has published fiction and nonfiction books, and she’s here today to share from her experiences in both world’s.

Thank you so much for being here! What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I write historical fiction with elements of romance and genealogy. I want to preserve the stories of people and history. I also write non-fiction because I love to teach and share so others can grow, too.

What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

Research is the most challenging for me because it’s so easy to get lost in the rabbit trails. When I realize I’ve gone down a trail, I start a new document and write a story idea with citations to the research. That helps me know I can go back and dive in again for a purpose. Otherwise, I’m just fascinated with learning. I have to be disciplined about it or I’d never come up for air.

Also, when I’m writing the story, I put a comment in my writing program (Scrivener) so I can research just that point later. Then I continue writing. But those rabbit trails can be really beneficial. That’s where the entire 6-book series for Queen of the Rockies ideas came from! The fifth book, Bride of the Rockies, was a rabbit trail that led me to the women who represented Montana at the 1893 World’s Fair.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

Writing a book takes 3-6 months for me. My favorite part is editing for the art. I spend more time there once I get the gist of the story on paper. Finalizing it, to me, means interior and cover design. That takes me a week or so because I play with the look until I’m happy. But I adore Vellum and the updates in that program.

If you’ve written multiple books, which was harder: the first book or the following books?

The first book in both fiction and nonfiction were the hardest because I had so much to learn about the craft and formatting. Now formatting is second nature. I know where I can play with elements. But writing in different arenas, fiction and nonfiction, creates a lot of different issues in the right and left brain. I can write both in the same day, but I have to take a break between them to switch gears. I’ll never stop learning. But adding to what I know or brushing up a skill is a lot easier than learning it all from a fire hose like the first books!

What conference do you most want to attend?

I’m looking forward to attending the London RootsTech conference one day. The amount of research I still want to do in Britain can happen, but I really love attending genealogy conferences. Hoping Covid-tide will end soon so I can go, meet more people across the pond, and sit in a lot of great research spots discovering things not on the internet.

How do you combat writer’s block?

Writer’s block makes me feel frozen. I’ve bonded with other writer friends. When I’m feeling stuck, I call or video conference or go to lunch with one of my friends. We’ll brainstorm until I’m excited to get the words on the page again. Works every time!

What advice do you have for new authors?

Go to as many different writing conferences as you can. Writing conferences have personalities too. Not every conference is suited to you. If one feels “off”, it’s not for you. Try another. You’ll meet your group of friends like I did. We all started out as newbies. Now literally all of us are multi-published, many multiple bestsellers. But none of us had sold a book when we started out. Bonding together, building our careers between friends has really made a difference. It’s especially important for those rough patches—we all have them—when we lose a family member, experience multiple rejections, or must make a hard choice financially. Those friends have made all the difference and I would not have achieved what I have without writing conferences and the friends who have run the race with me.

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

I have at least 3 steps in my editing process before I send it to anyone else. I edit as I go when something doesn’t seem quite right to me. Then I upload the document to my ProWritingAid application and go through line-by-line. Then I load it to Vellum and see what it finds. Finally, I ask someone else to edit. That saves me a lot of money, but also teaches me in the process.

I always miss something. Everyone always misses something. But the surprise is often how I have “pet” words in every book. They’re not usually the same book to book. But there are a handful that connect with the tone, story, and world of the book that tend to repeat. So those are my last search/replace action before it goes anywhere else.

Would she give up her dream for love?

For botanist, Bettina Gilbert, mining is an offense against God’s green earth. With the shortage of women in Montana, Luke travels to Chicago to manage the Montana mining exhibition hoping to also find a wife. Only that pretty botanist keeps disrupting his mining presentations … and his chances of meeting the right woman! A city girl who despises his way of life would be the worst choice for a miner’s wife, wouldn’t she? 

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, conference speaker, bestselling author of eighteen books, and screenwriter. Angela lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

https://AngelaBreidenbach.com
Social Media: @AngBreidenbachAmazon
Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Breidenbach/e/B00460W4F4
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/angela-breidenbach
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3370320.Angela_Breidenbach
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaBreidenbach

How I Write: Nancy I. Sanders

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Are you still waiting to finish your manuscript before you submit it? Author Nancy I. Sanders has a different approach you might want to take. With more than 100+ published books, you can trust her advice–been there, done that, and now she’s sharing her secrets with us. (Thank you!)

What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I write for children. With over 100 books published, some I write because the topics interest me. Others I write because a publisher is interested in that topic. And others I write because they seem like a good fit in the current market which means there’s a strong possibility a publisher will offer me a contract. That’s why I wrote my newest book, the gold-medal winning Bedtime With Mommy because I felt it was a good fit in the current market. A publisher picked it up just a month after I finished writing it! And it already won a gold medal!

Wow—congratulations! How long does it take you to write the book?

Before I write it, I like to brainstorm ideas for a potential manuscript. Bedtime With Mommy took me about 6 months to brainstorm the idea after reading tons of baby board books and studying publisher’s catalogs for a unique idea to a universal topic. It then took me about a month to write and edit it.

When I wrote The Bible Explorer’s Guide: 1,000 Amazing Facts and Photos, it was an assignment so I just had two months of intense research, writing, editing to write the manuscript for that deadline. Plus, I had to recommend all those images, too!

When I wrote my nonfiction biography for middle grade and young adult, Jane Austen for Kids, it took me one day to brainstorm for it. (The idea hit me while reading a Jane Austen novel and I instantly knew it would be a perfect fit for my publisher I already had several titles with.) The editor requested the proposal in one day after receiving my pitch. And then it took me about two and a half years to research and write it. That included traveling to Paris and England and attending a Jane Austen convention in Huntington Beach, CA and taking my own photos for the book. Once it was with the publisher, it took several months of back-and-forth editing before sending it off to the printer.

That sounds like a lot of fun. 😊 How do you combat writer’s block?

The short answer: I create an environment for my brain to enjoy playing with words. The long answer: I teach an entire audio class on this (with lots of handouts!) that’s called GETTING IN THE WRITER’S ZONE. It’s available for just $29 at The Serious Writer Academy.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different?

I’ve learned to plot the entire book from beginning to end even before I start. (I’ve had to do this with numerous publishers who require a proposal with a page-by-page synopsis for a picture book or chapter-by-chapter synopsis for a longer book before the book is written. That’s because like many career writers, I often sign a contract to write the book before the book is written.) But then whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction, picture books or chapter books, I allow myself to take detours as the characters and events demand while they’re coming to life in the first draft. So I do both.

If you’re self-published, why did you decide to go that route?

I’ve self-published my two books on how to write children’s books because I wanted total control of the books including how long they stay in print. Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career is an insider’s peek at the strategies I’ve used to build a successful career as a children’s writer. Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books gives the nuts and bolts of writing for young readers.

If you’re traditionally published, why did you decide to go that route?

I’ve had 100+ books published by traditional publishers because as a career writer, that’s where I earn my solid income through both work-for-hire contracts and royalty contracts.

What’s surprised you the most about the publishing process? That many career writers land a contract before they write their book. It’s not mentioned at writer’s conferences, where they usually just talk about sending in your completed manuscript to try to get a contract for it.

What advice do you have for new authors?

Learn to get published frequently and often by writing for the no-pay/low-pay market such as Sunday School take home papers and children’s magazines. It’s like taking a college course on writing…for free! Also, learn to earn income while you’re writing by signing contracts before you write the book. (I tell how to do this in my first how-to book.) And then always also be working on writing manuscripts that are near and dear to your heart. In other words, always be working on three different manuscripts for three different goals.

What does your revision process look like?

I’m a list person. I make lists of words that support my topic. I make lists of universal themes that tug on every child’s heart. I make lists of funny stuff that makes kids laugh. I make lists of sensory details that fit the background of my story. The list goes on! So after I get my first handwritten draft finished of a paragraph, stanza, scene, or chapter, I type it into the computer. Then I pull out my lists and the fun begins! I plug in a certain number of funny stuff if it’s a humorous book. I plug in a certain number of words that support my topic. I plug in a certain number of sensory details, etc.

Nancy I. Sanders is the bestselling and award-winning children’s author of more than 100 books including the gold-medal winning board book Bedtime with Mommy. Her book The Bible Explorer’s Guide: 1000 Amazing Facts and Photos (Zonderkidz, 2017) was co-winner of ECPA’s 2018 Young People’s Literature Award. Jane Austen for Kids (Chicago Review Press, 2019) explores the daily life, faith, and writings of one of the most beloved authors in literature. For more information about Nancy, visit her website at

Website: http://nancyisanders.com
Blogzone (for writers): https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com  
Christian Children’s Authors group blog: https://christianchildrensauthors.com/
Write2Ignite group blog: https://write2ignite.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyisanders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyisanders   
Facebook Author’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/NancyI.SandersAuthorPage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyISanders
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nancyisanders/
Amazon Author’s Page: www.amazon.com/author/nancysanders
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teacher-Plus-Writer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/95924.Nancy_I_Sanders
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyisanders/

ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

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Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

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Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

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Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

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Fiction: Substantive Editing Classes Substantive Editing for Fiction 101 In Substantive Fiction Editing 101, we’ll look at the basics of a well-written novel and learn how to help our … [more]